Dr. Sue Becker’s appointment is effective as of November 1, 2018

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sue Becker as the Full Member for the ARiEAL Research Centre. The nomination was approved by the ARiEAL Governing Board. Full members of ARiEAL are those with an active basic, applied or clinical research program that is funded or recently funded in an area relevant to the research activities of the Center. Dr. Becker’s appointment is effective as of November 1, 2018.

Sue Becker obtained her BSc in Psychology and MSc in Computer Science from Queen’s University, her PhD in Computer Science from the University of Toronto, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto before joining McMaster where she has been a faculty member since 1993.

Dr. Becker’s research focuses on the neural bases of learning and memory. Her lab employs a variety of methodologies including computational modeling, behavioural and neuroimaging studies to investigate questions such as how the hippocampus codes episodic and spatial memories, the role of neurogenesis in memory and mood regulation, how stress, binge drinking, exercise and neurofeedback affect hippocampal memory functions and intrinsic brain networks, and how the auditory cortex re-organizes after hearing loss. Applications of this research include the development of novel algorithms for EEG-based neurofeedback and brain-computer-interfaces. Dr. Becker has authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers and abstracts, and holds a joint patent for her invention of the Neurocompensator, a novel algorithm for intelligent hearing aids that is currently being marketed and sold by Vitasound Audio Inc. Dr. Becker received an Innovator of Distinction Award from McMaster and a Hamilton Halton Projects of the year award for the design of the Neurocompensator hearing aid.

Over the years, Dr. Becker has been collaborating with several ARiEAL members, either on the research projects or co-supervision of graduate students. She is also a Faculty Affiliate of the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. It seems a natural fit for Dr. Becker to join ARiEAL and we are very pleased to have her on board.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Becker to the ARiEAL Research Centre.